I think I have an idea for a layout, and it should fit in one APA box! Using a RH and LH unit tail to tail, and a return loop each end using the inside track, with 2 sidings each end , should just fit. Might have to mix/match other track with Kato to fit. Would use longer depth as base(37cm by 70cm)
That would then allow continuous running and shunting. Not too sure which scale as I like 1/32 at the moment.

I know this won't fit in the box, but my initial thought is join the sidings at each end together to make loops, add some track detection and auto point switching, and you've got the start of a 'rabbit warren' layout. With a few bits of logic and counters you could keep the spectators guessing where the train is going to head next!

I'd never have seen that possibility without your trackplan Simon

Barry Weston

If at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer.

The only thing that keeps me sane, is the friendship I share with my collection of singing potatoes....

The outside radius is under 18cm, so the return loops should fit in. Might be a bit of track cutting. And I was thinking of have base as a base not the back panel as done in the Gn15 boxes.
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Just done a recalc, and using the 11cm track, overall length would be slightly over long, but no problem a curved end/bow to each end will give just enough space. I do like a challenge.

I used the 11cm radius curves on PG Wood House, which has a width of 12 inches Plenty of room to spare

I was looking at the available track for a possible idea I've had and noticed that they also do a single crossing and a double crossing plus they do an infill set for the normal Tomix track, which might come in handy. I do have some Tomix track that I bought a while ago, but I don't have any of their tram track, think I have some of the infill sections though.

This place is great for starting off thought processes in your head when you've got too many to start with!

I shall be keeping an eye on what you produce from these units Simon, you do tend to come up with some interesting layouts

Barry Weston

If at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer.

The only thing that keeps me sane, is the friendship I share with my collection of singing potatoes....

just received the Kato pointwork. Chose to try only one set. Also wanted to see if Tomix would connect and it does with mods.
Anyway it is not quite possible to fit track into APA box, but by stretching where curves protrude it will fit, just. Plan is basically the left side of my original, with a simple return loop on the other end.

Just waiting for Tomix track from Japan. Hopefully it ill have arrived by time I get back from France in a couple of weeks. First project will be 1/32 not 1/24, but if successful might consider a G9 version.
The Kato instructions, hint that there is a point motor in the point. Terminology is a bit confusing when the word 'switch' is used. There is a electrical lead, but only 2 wires. Normally I would expect 3 wires, unless Kato have been clever and used a different type of point motor. Does anyone know?

The point motors operate as two wire, requiring a DC Voltage of between 8V and no more than 12V, min 500ma to max of 1amp.

On my little APA layout couple of photos, point motor control is via DPDT switch's wired as a reversing switch, have a momentary push to make button to make the connection between the 12V positive of the input transformer and the positive middle contact on the DPDT switch, so the power is off until the the button is pushed.

To operate, switch the DPDT up or down, depending on which way the point is required to switch, then push the push to make to complete the circuit.

when I got home from France this week there was a package from Japan, with all the Tomix tramway track I needed to complete my little layout.
Last night I started cutting some of it to fit geometry.
Rail used by Tomix is slightly different to that used by Kato. Tomix track rail has a base wider than standard N gauge, so have to use bigger rail joiners. The Peco OO finescale ones are just right. Some need to be shortened, but I have managed to connect the two types of track OK. Just a couple of straight sections to add using plain Peco rail, then I can test it out.
I intend to extend base for track beyond ends of box, with a curved wall to hide the track.

managed to test track tonight. Loosely fitted together but Kato powered loco ran well. Sharp curves, especially combined with reverse curves caused a couple of problems with some of my 4 wheel wagons, but bogie wagons ran OK, so might only use them.
I was wondering if using a bogie powered chassis might run better, but would the Kato 107 unit go round the sharp Tomix track?
Advantage of using a bogie powered chassis would be that the couplings being attached to the bogies have less sideway play on curves, o less likely to foul. The Arnold type couplings might not look that good, but they are simple and already on wagons and locos. I will only change them if I have more problems